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Top 20 Best Online MSW in Children/Youth/Families 2016-2017

An online MSW with a concentration in Children/Youth/Families offers skills used in nearly every commercial field. Affordable online Master's degree in Social Work courses allow you flexibility in obtaining those skills.

Self-improvement is the name of the game in today's competitive job market. A bachelor's degree no longer sets you apart; making yourself indispensable to employers could be the difference between a secure career and constantly looking over your shoulder. A strong background in social theory, empathy, and psychology are necessary when looking to complete a Master's degree in Social Work. Students graduate with an advanced understanding of the essential concepts of counseling that allow fluid mobility between different career choices or advancement in a current profession.

Ranking the Best MSW Online with a Concentration in Children/Youth/Families

Online degrees offer advantages over traditional "brick-and-mortar" programs, mainly due to flexible scheduling. The smaller class sizes online allow for greater student/instructor interaction. We have established the Top 20 online Master's degree in Social Work ranking by creating a point system. Schools were awarded one point for meeting each of the following criteria: offering a full-time program; offering a part time program; having minimal state restrictions; offering a program entirely online; and offering an advanced standing program option. Schools were then ranked by the number of points they earned. Where there are ties, the school with the lower average graduate tuition rate is favored.

Ranking the Top 10 Online Masters in Social Work with a Concentration in Children/Youth/Families

#20. Temple University-Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Online Master of Social Work with a concentration in Clinical Practice with Individuals and Families and a specialization in Children and Families

Tuition
The average graduate student tuition at Temple University is $15,354 per year.

Points 1

Unique Features
Temple University features a Master of Social Work online that can be completed in three to four years. This part time program features a concentration in either clinical or macro and a specialization in Children and Family. While most of the program can be completed online, there is a three-day residency in Philadelphia before starting the second year. During the three-day residency, students learn more about field placement and practicum courses. Temple has relationships with over 500 different human service organizations that provide internship and work experience. The online Master of Social Work program at Temple is open to students who will be completing the program while living in the state of Pennsylvania. Students living outside the state will need to consult with admissions to determine eligibility.

#19. University of Hawaii at Manoa-Honolulu, Hawaii

Masters of Social Work Degree-Distance Education Option

Tuition
The average graduate student tuition at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is $14,232 per year.

Points 2

Unique Features
The Online Master of Social Work Degree program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is offered to students residing on the Hawaiian Islands. Students participate in courses through interactive television, online delivery, face-to-face interaction and a variety of hybrid approaches. This part time program does offer an Advanced Standing option for students who have earned their BSW in the last seven years from a CSWE accredited institution. While coursework can be completed without students leaving their home island, students do have to attend an on-site training once per year on O'ahu. Students can complete the program in about three years, which includes a field practicum. Advanced Standing Students can complete in just one to two years of study.

#18. Boston University-Boston, Massachusetts

Tuition
The average graduate student tuition at Boston University is $47,422 per year.

Points 3

Unique Features
Boston University features an online MSW in Clinical Social Work for students who want to serve the needs of individuals, families, groups, and organizations. The program includes field placement experiences to allow students to gain valuable work experience in their area of interest. Students can complete one field experience in their current work setting (if working in the field) and the other in a different position, allowing them to broaden their professional experience. Students can choose from three different program tracks depending on their career goals. The Traditional Track is a 65-credit hour program than can be completed in three. The Human Service Experience Track is open to students who have human service work experience and features one, 1,000 clock hour internship opportunity. The Advanced Standing Track allows students who have already earned their BSW degree to transfer up to 25 credits of previous coursework. Students learn evidence-based practice and work in a variety of settings, including schools, health centers, and residential programs.

#17. University of Denver-Denver, Colorado

Online Master of Science in Social Work-Mental Health and Trauma

Tuition
The average graduate student tuition at the University of Denver is $43,164 per year.

Points 3

Unique Features
The University of Denver offers an innovative online Master of Social Work with flexible course scheduling and a dynamic learning management system. Students learn how to make a positive impact on children, individuals, families, and communities. There are two cohorts that begin each year in the fall and spring. The program can be completed in just over two years of study (including summers). The Mental Health and Trauma concentration teaches students how to assess mental health and substance use as well as crisis intervention. Courses are a blend of asynchronous and synchronous coursework, allowing students to develop peer relationships and engage in role play.

#16. Walden University-Minneapolis, Minnesota

Online MSW with a concentration in Social Work with Children and Families

Tuition
The average graduate student tuition at Walden University is $11,895 per year.

Points 3

Unique Features
Walden University offers an online Master's in Social Work with a concentration in Social Work with Children and Families. Students can further customize their coursework to include an elective cluster with courses in Addictions, Children, Families and Couples, Crisis and Trauma, Forensic Populations and Settings, Medical Social Work, or Military Family and Culture. This top online MSW degree program features a real-world education that includes a blend on in-person residencies, case studies, and field experience. There are three different degree completion options, including a Standard Option for students who want to complete one or two classes each semester, an Accelerated Option for full time students, and an Advanced Standing option for students who already have a bachelor's degree in social work. With start dates offered throughout the year, the accredited online MSW program at Walden University provides the flexibility that busy professionals need to achieve their educational goals.

#15. University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Online Master of Social Work with a concentration in Children, Adolescents and their Families

Tuition
The average graduate student tuition at the University of Alabama is $10,170 per year.

Points 3

Unique Features
The University of Alabama features an Online Master of Social Work with a concentration in Children, Adolescents and their Families. The program can be completed primarily online, with face-to-face skills labs offered at convenient locations around the state on scheduled Saturdays. A 42 credit-hour advanced-standing program option is available for students who have already earned their BSW. Full time advanced standing students can complete the program in just three semesters of study. Students complete a practicum experience as part of this top online Master of Social Work program to increase their knowledge of real problems and experiences working with children and families.

#14. University of Central Florida-Orlando, Florida

Master of Social Work Online

Tuition
The average graduate student tuition at the University of Central Florida is $6,916 per year.

Points 3

Unique Features
The University of Central Florida offers a part-time Master of Social Work Online for individuals with and without a BSW. Students who have not earned their BSW degree can complete the part time MSW Online program in three years. Students complete one course per seven-week-term. Clinical field placements are offered beginning in the second year of study. For students who have earned an approved BSW degree, the part time Advanced Standing option is available. Advanced Standing students can complete the program in just four semesters. Both options are offered as a cohort model to allow students to interact and develop personal and professional relationships. This accredited online Master of Social Work program focuses on individuals, families, groups, and communities.

#13. California State University-Northridge, California

Online Master of Social Work

Tuition
The average graduate student tuition at California State University-Northridge is $6,738 per year.

Points 3

Unique Features
California State University features a two-year, full time, online MSW program featuring asynchronous classes. This cohort model program is comprised of 20 classes and a 16-week field experience. Students complete two eight-week courses at a time, meeting virtually each week to interact in an online session. The dynamic curriculum teaches students how to work with individuals and families, group/community, and macro levels. All online courses are taught by faculty who are experts in the field of social work. Online students benefit from a supporting learning community and a well-designed online learning experience.

#12. Case Western Reserve University-Cleveland, Ohio

Online Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA, equivalent to an MSW)

Tuition
The average graduate student tuition at Case Western Reserve University is $41,137 per year.

Points 4

Unique Features
Case Western Reserve University features an online MSW that can be completed in just two years of study. This CSWE-accredited program offers a Direct Practice Concentration with a specialization in Children, Youth, and Families (CYF). The CYF concentration teaches students to recognize and assess children and families facing issues, including adoption, drugs, violence, abuse, and mental health challenges. Courses in the CYF concentration count toward the requirements needed to become a member in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. As part of the program, students complete a field placement to demonstrate what they have learned in the classroom. Students who have already earned their BSW degree are eligible for advanced standing, and can complete the program in just 36 credits.

#11. Fordham University-Bronx, New York

Master of Social Work Online with a Clinical Concentration

Tuition
The average graduate student tuition at Fordham University is $31,248 per year.

Points 4

Unique Features
The Online Master of Social Work from Fordham University is offered to students residing in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Students can attend full time or part time and have access to coursework 24 hours a day. The Clinical Concentration is available to students who want to work with both children and families in organizational or community settings. Fordham offers a variety of field placement opportunities that allow students to gain valuable hands-on experience in an actual clinical environment. Students who have already completed their bachelor's degree in social work are eligible for the Advanced Standing Option.

#10. University of New Hampshire-Durban, New Hampshire

Master of Social Work Online with a Concentration in Children Youth and Families

Tuition
Average graduate student tuition at the University of New Hampshire is $13,500 per year.

Points 4

Unique Features
The University of New Hampshire offers an online MSW degree program that can be completed in just 28 months. This 62-credit hour program features a concentration in Children Youth and Families, requiring two field internships in your community to gain valuable work experience. Full time faculty provide individualized attention to online students by creating personalized connections through Skype and Zoom. Courses are typically offered asynchronously, allowing students the flexibility to log in when it is convenient.

#9. University of Louisville-Louisville, Kentucky

Online Master of Social Work

Tuition
The average graduate student tuition at the University of Louisville is $11,664 per year.

Points 4

Unique Features
The University of Louisville offers an Online Master of Social Work featuring both a standard and Advanced Standing option. While the program focuses on providing skills and knowledge related to children and families, mental health, and community practice, specialization areas are available for students interested in working with a specific population. Both the Mental Health and Military Social Work specializations may be of interest to students who want to focus on youth and families. The standard option begins each fall and can be completed in 4-8 semesters of study. The Advanced Standing option is a 30-credit hour program that can be completed in just 2-5 semesters. This top Online Master of Social Work degree program is consistently ranked by US News and World Report as one of the best social work programs in the United States.

#8. University of South Florida-Tampa, Florida

Online Advanced Standing MSW

Tuition
The average graduate student tuition at the University of South Florida is $8,350 per year.

Points 4

Unique Features
The University of South Florida offers an Advanced Standing Online Master of Social Work that can be completed on a full or part time basis. The program is ideal for students with at least one year of professional work experience in social service. Core coursework covers social work practices with individuals, couples, and families. Full time students can complete their program in just three semesters while part time students can complete in five semesters. In the final semester of the program, students complete a capstone project where they demonstrate their skills and knowledge attained during the program.

#7. Metropolitan State University of Denver-Denver, Colorado

Online Master of Social Work-Children/Youth/Families Track

Tuition
The average graduate student tuition at the Metropolitan State University of Denver is $7,174 per year.

Points 4

Unique Features
New in Fall 2016, Metropolitan State University of Denver offers a fully online Master of Social Work for Colorado residents. Most coursework is offered asynchronous to allow students to study when it is convenient. There may be some synchronous activities required that are scheduled in advance. The Individuals and Families Concentration includes a Children/Youth/Families Track with unique course offerings such as Family Violence in Social Work, Crisis Intervention, Trauma, and Disaster Response, and Group Therapy. An Advanced Standing option is available for students who have already earned an approved BSW degree.

#6. University of Southern California-Los Angeles, California

Master of Social Work

Tuition
The average graduate student tuition at the University of Southern California is $39,984 per year.

Points 5

Unique Features
University of Southern California (USC) offers a Master's of Social Work degree with a Children, Youth and Families concentration. Students study subject areas such as child welfare, juvenile justice, mental health, school social work, and child development and early childhood education. Program options include additional coursework in Military Social Work or Older Adults. One field placement experience will take place in a relevant worksite near the student's community. Full time students can complete this 60-credit hour program in four semesters; part time students can complete in four years. An advanced standing option is available for students who have earned their bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school. Graduates of this top online Master's of Social Work program are prepared to work in hospitals, clinics, child welfare organizations, schools, and foster family agencies.

#5. University of New England-Biddeford, Maine

Master of Social Work Online

Tuition
The average graduate student tuition at the University of New England is $22,449 per year.

Points 5

Unique Features
The University of New England features an online Master of Social Work program that can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis and requires no on-campus visits. Courses are asynchronous, meaning there are no set log in times. Students can select from three different concentrations including Clinical Practice, Community Practice, and Integrated Practice. Those students who have already earned their BSW from an accredited institution can apply for Advanced Standing, allowing them to pick up where their BSW degree left off. Program faculty are renowned in their field and teach relevant coursework focused on human dignity, social justice, and health as a basic human right.

#4. Simmons College-Boston, Massachusetts

Online Master of Social Work with a specialization in Child and Family

Tuition
The average graduate student tuition at Simmons College is $20,052 per year.

Points 5

Unique Features
Simmons College features an Online Master of Social Work in Child and Family for students who want to work in a school, hospital, community, or child protective setting. This specialization focuses on how to help children and families cope with issues such as substance abuse, mental illness, attachment disorders, and trauma. The program is extremely flexible and is offered in an accelerated format, a traditional full time format, and a part time format. Students can complete the advanced standing program in as little as 15 months of full time study. A 1,200-clock hour field placement is required as part of this online Master of Social Work program.

#3. Our Lady of the Lake University-San Antonio, Texas

Online Master of Social Work

Tuition
The average graduate student tuition at Our Lady of the Lake University is $14,796 per year.

Points 5

Unique Features
Our Lady of the Lake University offers an online Master of Social Work degree specializing in the Hispanic population. As one of the programs in the country with this concentration, Our Lady of the Lake University recognizes the unique needs of this minority group. Students can complete this concentration in just under two years of study if they have already earned their bachelor's in social work degree. Students who have a bachelor's degree in another area can complete the foundational MSW program in about three years. Courses are offered online through an online learning system and there is no on-campus residency required. The fieldwork practicum experience required of all MSW students can be completed in the student's hometown, allowing students to become familiar with their local Hispanic community.

#2. Indiana University-Indianapolis, Indiana

Master of Social Work Online

Tuition
The average graduate student tuition at Indiana University is $8,136 per year.

Points 5

Unique Features
Indiana University offers a Master of Social Work Online with unique coursework in eSocial Work and Telebehavioral Practice. Courses are 100% online and students can participate on a full time or part time basis. The Advanced Generalist concentration prepares students to work with both individuals and families in a variety of settings. With three convenient start times, students can begin the program when it is most convenient. Students with a BSW from a CSWE accredited program are eligible for the 39-credit hour Advanced Standing program that can be completed in just two years.

#1. University of Texas of the Rio Grande Valley-Edinburg, Texas

Master of Science in Social Work-Direct Practice with Latino Individuals, Families, and Groups (Advanced Standing)

Tuition
The average graduate student tuition at the University of Texas of the Rio Grande Valley is $5,329 per year.

Points 5

Unique Features
The University of Texas of the Rio Grande Valley features an online Master of Social Work program working specifically with Latino individuals, families, and groups. This Advanced Standing program can be completed in just 12 months. Students learn how to develop treatment plans, apply intervention strategies, and understand the impact of discrimination on minority populations. A 500-clock hour practicum is required as part of the program which allows students to gain valuable work experience. Graduates of the program are prepared to work in social service agencies, mental health programs, and health services organizations.

The choice to pursue a cheap online Master's degree in Social Work could be a life-altering decision and should not be made lightly. Carefully examine each of the schools listed for the combination of accessibility, prestige, and price that best meets your needs. A Master's degree in Social Work maximizes your future job prospects. An affordable online Master's degree in Social Work allows you flexibility in reaching that goal.

Socialworkdegreeguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured programs and school search results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other information published on this site.